Newham Bridge aims to be a school where children’s rights are a part of our ethos and culture, to improve well-being and to develop every child’s talents and abilities to their full potential.
WHAT IS RIGHTS RESPECTING SCHOOL AWARD?
The Rights Respecting School is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of child (UNCRC) and we are committed to creating a school environment where children have the right to:
- Feel healthier and happier
- Feel safe
- Feel they can develop positive relationships
- Have a voice and build on their self esteem
All children have these rights, regardless of who they are and where they come from.
THE CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND OUR JOURNEY
The Convention has 54 articles that cover all aspects of a child’s life and set out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. These rights apply to every child and the Convention entitles every child to claim them. Our school community; Teachers, Visitors, Pupils, Parents and Carers and the Government must work together to make sure all children can enjoy all their rights.
Our School Rights
We have chosen 15 Articles which are:
- Article 1: Everyone under the age of 18 have the rights.
- Article 2: All children have these rights no matter what race, religion or abilities.
- Article 3: All adults, parents and carers who work with children in our school should do what is best for each child.
- Article 4: The government should make sure every child can enjoy their rights.
- Article 5: The government support adults to guide and direct children how to use their rights as they grow up.
- Article 6: All children have the right to a life and can be healthy and reach their full potential.
- Article 7: All children have the right to a name and nationality.
- Article 8: The government should respect their right to name, nationality and family.
- Article 12: All children have the right to think what should happen and be listened to.
- Article 17: All children have the right to get honest information from newspapers and television that they could understand.
- Article 19: All children should not be harmed and should be looked after and kept safe.
- Article 24: All children have the right to good food and water and to see a doctor if they are ill.
- Article 27: All children have the right to a good standard of living.
- Article 28: All children have the right to learn and go to school.
- Article 31: All children have the right to relax and play.
These rights will be taught, practiced and promoted, helping our children become informed, active global citizens. We will embed these rights across the school curriculum, policies and everyday life.
We hope to:
- promote equality, respect and a sense of belonging.
- to help our pupils learn about their rights and rights of others, helping them grow into confident, caring global citizens.
- help staff, pupils and families work together to build a school community based on mutual respect and understanding.
- allow children’s voices to be heard – they are encouraged to lead change and make a positive impact both in school and beyond.
ARTICLE OF THE MONTH
Our school assemblies and classroom discussions will link to an ‘Article of the month’ which will be displayed on our Rights Respecting School display. It will also appear on the school newsletter, informing parents and carers of the right for that month.
THE STEERING GROUP (SCHOOL COUNCIL)
We have a dedicated team of pupils who meet regularly in their school council meetings and work hard promoting the school rights and encourage pupil involvement in positive change, not only for our school community but for our world.
We held a school competition for a Rights Respecting School mascot to be designed. George S in Year 4 designed ‘Bridge Bee’, displaying the key words linking with our rights:
For more information on Rights Respecting School link to: www.unicef.co.uk
